§ 8. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, in a certain area of which he has been informed, it is impossible for the local population to secure boot repairs; that they are informed that they must wait for several weeks because there is so much repair work in hand for American troops which must have priority; and will he see that in this and any other respect over which he has control, civilians shall not be placed at a disadvantage with soldiers.
§ Mr. DaltonMy regional directors of boot repairs have instructions to see that an adequate service of civilian repairs is maintained in all areas and that no area is overloaded with Service work. The repairer to whom my hon. Friend refers had, without the knowledge of my regional director, accepted Service repairs greatly 1140 in excess of the number specified in his contract. I am glad to say that the matter has now been adjusted.
§ Mr. DaviesWill not my right hon. Friend get in touch with the Ministry of Labour, because the problem is affected by the fact that repairers have been called up?
§ Mr. DaltonI am afraid that trouble is not confined to boot repairers. A lot of people have been called up.
§ Mr. DaviesThe right hon. Gentleman has not been called up.
§ Mr. DaltonNot yet, nor has my hon. Friend.
§ Sir Percy HarrisCan the right hon. Gentleman say how many regional inspectors there are and what are their qualifications?
§ Mr. DaltonNot without notice.